George Smith is an Associate of U3 Ventures, providing analysis in community development and real estate finance. His professional experience working with universities and cities began at Collegia Inc., where he assisted the Boston-based organization in leveraging collaborative partnerships between higher education and civic entities to attract and retain college students. During his three years at the firm, he directed research initiatives such as the College Destination Index, a study that measures the impact of higher education on local communities, and managed PhiladelphiaÕs One Big Campus program, a nationally recognized effort promoting the region as a premier college destination.
Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and his Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, where he received the Chester Rapkin Award for excellent work in housing, community, and economic development studies. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute and the Pennsylvania Planning Association.